Can I ship lithium batteries from Japan?
Japan Post rules checked across 179 destinations · last verified · guide reviewed
Short answer: Only under conditions. Japan Post accepts lithium batteries only when they are installed in the device they power, within its watt-hour and quantity limits, and to destinations on its lithium list. Loose or spare batteries, and batteries packed alongside a device, cannot be sent, and some destinations refuse battery devices altogether. Whether your product qualifies is decided per item.
Japan Post's carrier-wide rule covers lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, and it repeats the same conditions on dozens of individual device listings, from phones and cameras to game consoles and smartwatches. The rule turns on how the battery travels: only a battery installed in the equipment it powers is accepted; one packed alongside the device or sent on its own is refused.
Power banks and mobile batteries have their own listing, with the same conditions as the battery rule.
On top of the carrier-wide rule, a few destinations do not accept lithium-battery devices by post at all. The table below shows every destination that has its own rule; the rest follow the carrier-wide conditions.
Whether a specific product can go in a specific parcel is decided per item: the ShipMate GO app asks the follow-up questions a rule needs and gives a verdict before anything is booked.
Japan Post's carrier-wide rules
These apply to every destination, before any country's own import rules.
Lithium-ion battery / Lithium metal battery
ConditionalJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination on its lithium handling list. Loose or spare lithium batteries, and batteries packed alongside a device, cannot be sent.
- The lithium battery is shipped loose, as a spare, or packed alongside the equipment instead of installed in it — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The destination is not on Japan Post's list of countries and regions that accept lithium batteries by air mail, SAL and EMS (equipment whose only lithium batteries are installed button cells is exempt) — Cannot be sent by air mail, SAL or EMS
- A lithium-ion/polymer battery pack exceeds 100 Wh (or a cell exceeds 20 Wh), or a lithium-metal pack contains more than 2 g of lithium (or a cell more than 1 g) — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The mail item contains more than 2 lithium battery packs or more than 4 lithium cells — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The lithium battery is installed in or built into the equipment, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination that accepts lithium batteries — Permitted — pack as listed and declare the item contents
- The only lithium batteries are button (coin) cells installed in the equipment — Permitted by air or surface mail — not classified as dangerous goods
- The equipment is packed so the battery is protected from damage, short circuit and accidental activation — Required
- Lithium-ion battery packs show their watt-hour (Wh) rating on the battery casing — Required
- The package does not bear the lithium battery handling mark (UN3481 / UN3091 label) — Required — Japan Post refuses marked mail items
- Batteries are of a UN 38.3-tested type, undamaged, not recalled, and weigh at most 5 kg in total — Declaration by the sender
- Items may still be returned under the destination's latest rules, and some destinations refuse specific electrical appliances — Advisory
Source: Japan PostHS chapter 85On the full list
Mobile Battery / Charger / Battery Charger / Portable Battery Charger / Power Bank
ConditionalJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination on its lithium handling list. Loose or spare lithium batteries, and batteries packed alongside a device, cannot be sent.
- The lithium battery is shipped loose, as a spare, or packed alongside the equipment instead of installed in it — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The destination is not on Japan Post's list of countries and regions that accept lithium batteries by air mail, SAL and EMS (equipment whose only lithium batteries are installed button cells is exempt) — Cannot be sent by air mail, SAL or EMS
- A lithium-ion/polymer battery pack exceeds 100 Wh (or a cell exceeds 20 Wh), or a lithium-metal pack contains more than 2 g of lithium (or a cell more than 1 g) — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The mail item contains more than 2 lithium battery packs or more than 4 lithium cells — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The lithium battery is installed in or built into the equipment, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination that accepts lithium batteries — Permitted — pack as listed and declare the item contents
- The only lithium batteries are button (coin) cells installed in the equipment — Permitted by air or surface mail — not classified as dangerous goods
- The equipment is packed so the battery is protected from damage, short circuit and accidental activation — Required
- Lithium-ion battery packs show their watt-hour (Wh) rating on the battery casing — Required
- The package does not bear the lithium battery handling mark (UN3481 / UN3091 label) — Required — Japan Post refuses marked mail items
- Batteries are of a UN 38.3-tested type, undamaged, not recalled, and weigh at most 5 kg in total — Declaration by the sender
- Items may still be returned under the destination's latest rules, and some destinations refuse specific electrical appliances — Advisory
Documents required: Item description field must state 'without lithium battery' when the item does not contain a lithium battery
Source: Japan PostHS chapter 85On the full list
Cordless Iron (with possible lithium battery)
ConditionalJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination on its lithium handling list. Loose or spare lithium batteries, and batteries packed alongside a device, cannot be sent.
- The lithium battery is shipped loose, as a spare, or packed alongside the equipment instead of installed in it — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The destination is not on Japan Post's list of countries and regions that accept lithium batteries by air mail, SAL and EMS (equipment whose only lithium batteries are installed button cells is exempt) — Cannot be sent by air mail, SAL or EMS
- A lithium-ion/polymer battery pack exceeds 100 Wh (or a cell exceeds 20 Wh), or a lithium-metal pack contains more than 2 g of lithium (or a cell more than 1 g) — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The mail item contains more than 2 lithium battery packs or more than 4 lithium cells — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The lithium battery is installed in or built into the equipment, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination that accepts lithium batteries — Permitted — pack as listed and declare the item contents
- The only lithium batteries are button (coin) cells installed in the equipment — Permitted by air or surface mail — not classified as dangerous goods
- The equipment is packed so the battery is protected from damage, short circuit and accidental activation — Required
- Lithium-ion battery packs show their watt-hour (Wh) rating on the battery casing — Required
- The package does not bear the lithium battery handling mark (UN3481 / UN3091 label) — Required — Japan Post refuses marked mail items
- Batteries are of a UN 38.3-tested type, undamaged, not recalled, and weigh at most 5 kg in total — Declaration by the sender
- Items may still be returned under the destination's latest rules, and some destinations refuse specific electrical appliances — Advisory
Source: Japan PostHS chapter 85On the full list
Engine/Generator (Gasoline-powered or Lithium Battery-powered) — Generator
ConditionalJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination on its lithium handling list. Loose or spare lithium batteries, and batteries packed alongside a device, cannot be sent.
- The lithium battery is shipped loose, as a spare, or packed alongside the equipment instead of installed in it — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The destination is not on Japan Post's list of countries and regions that accept lithium batteries by air mail, SAL and EMS (equipment whose only lithium batteries are installed button cells is exempt) — Cannot be sent by air mail, SAL or EMS
- A lithium-ion/polymer battery pack exceeds 100 Wh (or a cell exceeds 20 Wh), or a lithium-metal pack contains more than 2 g of lithium (or a cell more than 1 g) — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The mail item contains more than 2 lithium battery packs or more than 4 lithium cells — Cannot be sent by international mail
- The lithium battery is installed in or built into the equipment, within the capacity and quantity limits, and addressed to a destination that accepts lithium batteries — Permitted — pack as listed and declare the item contents
- The only lithium batteries are button (coin) cells installed in the equipment — Permitted by air or surface mail — not classified as dangerous goods
- The equipment is packed so the battery is protected from damage, short circuit and accidental activation — Required
- Lithium-ion battery packs show their watt-hour (Wh) rating on the battery casing — Required
- The package does not bear the lithium battery handling mark (UN3481 / UN3091 label) — Required — Japan Post refuses marked mail items
- Batteries are of a UN 38.3-tested type, undamaged, not recalled, and weigh at most 5 kg in total — Declaration by the sender
- Items may still be returned under the destination's latest rules, and some destinations refuse specific electrical appliances — Advisory
Source: Japan PostHS chapter 85On the full list
26 products Japan Post lists individually under the same conditions
Each has the same level, conditions and paperwork as the rule above. Click through to the carrier-wide list for a product's own entry.
- ConditionalAED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- ConditionalBeauty Home Appliances / Personal Care Electronics
- ConditionalClocks / Smartwatches
- ConditionalDigital health meter (bathroom scale / body weight scale)
- ConditionalDigital Photo Frame
- ConditionalDrive recorder (dashboard camera)
- ConditionalDrone / Remote-Controlled Aircraft
- ConditionalFlashlight / Torch
- ConditionalGame console
- ConditionalGame controller (for gaming consoles)
- ConditionalHearing aid
- ConditionalKeychain / Key Holder
- ConditionalLighting / Fluorescent Lamp
- ConditionalPersonal computer (including monitor / parts) / Tablet PC
- ConditionalPlayStation / Play Station (game console)
- ConditionalPortable DVD Player
- ConditionalPortable music player / Portable audio player
- ConditionalPortable Television
- ConditionalPulse oximeter
- ConditionalRadiation measuring instrument / Radioactivity concentration meter
- ConditionalRadio-cassette recorder (boombox)
- ConditionalResidential fire alarm (smoke/fire detector)
- ConditionalSelfie stick
- ConditionalTravel Earphones / Earphone Guide
- ConditionalWi-Fi Router / Pocket Wi-Fi (portable wireless router)
- ConditionalWristwatches / Smartwatches
21 related products with their own conditions
Japan Post lists these in the same class, with conditions that differ from the rule above. Each is shown with its own.
- ProhibitedLead storage batteryLead storage batteries are prohibited across all international destinations for all shipping types and transport modes. This is a carrier-wide ban applying to…
- ProhibitedSealed Lead-Acid Battery (Shield Battery / SLA Battery)Sealed lead-acid batteries (shield batteries) used in automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles are prohibited on all international shipments across all destinati…
- ConditionalAir batteryAir batteries are conditionally accepted for all international shipping via air and surface transport, as they may contain magnesium (a flammable substance) or…
- ConditionalAlkaline storage battery (industrial) / Alkaline accumulator (industrial)Industrial alkaline storage batteries are conditionally accepted for international shipping across all modes because they contain alkaline electrolyte solution…
- ConditionalAmplifier (audio/AV equipment)Amplifiers are accepted for international shipping only when any contained lithium battery meets international mail conditions, and units with a lithium batter…
- ConditionalAuto DispenserAuto dispensers (diet/health/relaxation category) are accepted for international shipping only when specific conditions regarding lithium batteries and flammab…
- ConditionalAutomotive navigation system (car nav / GPS unit)Japan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalCar audio / Car stereoCar audio equipment (including car stereos, in-car speakers, and motorcycle/bicycle audio accessories) is conditionally accepted for international shipment bec…
- ConditionalEarphones / Headphones (Wireless / Cordless type) / Travel Earphones / EarbudsJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalElectronic dictionary / Calculator / Electronic organizerJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalFacsimile machine (fax machine)Japan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalLED projectorJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalPedometer / Step CounterJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalPortable game console / handheld game deviceJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalRadio-Controlled Vehicles / Drones (RC / Radio Control)Radio-controlled devices and drones are conditionally accepted for international shipping. Engine-powered (fuel-driven) models are prohibited due to the possib…
- ConditionalRecord player / TurntableRecord players are accepted for international shipping only when they meet the applicable conditions regarding lithium batteries and, for models with amplifier…
- ConditionalSmart Luggage / Smart SuitcaseJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalSmartphone (Mobile Phone)Japan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalSpeaker / Smart SpeakerSpeakers and smart speakers are accepted for international shipping only when they meet the applicable conditions for lithium batteries and magnetic materials.…
- ConditionalThermal Printer (Heat-Sensitive Printer)Japan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
- ConditionalVoice RecorderJapan Post accepts lithium batteries in international mail only when they are installed in or built into the equipment they power, within the capacity and quan…
Destinations with their own rule for lithium batteries
5 of the 179 destinations Japan Post publishes rules for list lithium batteries in their own import rules. Each row links to that destination's full list.
| Destination | Rule | Level | Japan Post's wording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Nickel batteries, energy generation devices, and electronic computers | Prohibited | Nickel batteries, energy generation devices, and electronic computers are prohibited from shipment to Egypt via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exception… source |
| Israel | Batteries | Prohibited | Batteries of all types are prohibited from import into the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This restriction applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping. source |
| Madagascar | Lithium batteries and electronic devices containing or incorporating lithium batteries | Prohibited | Lithium batteries and lithium battery packs, as well as electronic devices and equipment that contain or have lithium batteries built in or incorporated, are p… source |
| Tunisia | Batteries | Prohibited | Batteries are prohibited from shipment to Tunisia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source. source |
| Rechargeable batteries | Prohibited | Rechargeable batteries are prohibited from shipment to Tunisia via regular mail, parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source. source | |
| Argentina | Dry batteries | Conditional | Dry batteries may only be shipped to Argentina if the sender has obtained permission from the Directorate of Exports and Imports of the Ministry of Economy. Sh… source |
No destination-specific rule for lithium batteries in the other 174 destinations
Japan Post's carrier-wide rules above still apply to each of them, and so does the destination's general customs law. No rule is not a statement that the item can be sent.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bonaire, Saba & Sint Eustatius
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- DR Congo
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Falkland Islands
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Martinique
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Montserrat
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Pitcairn Islands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Réunion
- Romania
- Saint Helena
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent
- Samoa
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Sint Maarten
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Vietnam
- Wallis and Futuna
Not sure about a specific item?
This page lists Japan Post's rules. The ShipMate GO app checks your actual item against them, asks the one or two questions a conditional rule needs, and tells you the outcome before anything is charged. Sending a parcel from Japan? Booking is free and you pay once, after weighing. Shopping from abroad with Shop for Me? Anything that can't ship is dropped from your order before you pay for the goods.
Common questions
- Can I send a phone or laptop with its battery inside?
- Japan Post's rule accepts a lithium battery installed in the device it powers, within its watt-hour and quantity limits and its packing conditions, to destinations on its lithium list that have not refused battery devices. The ShipMate GO app checks the exact device.
- Can I send a power bank or a spare battery?
- A loose or spare battery cannot be sent: Japan Post's rule accepts a lithium battery only when it is installed in the equipment it powers. Power banks have their own listing, with the same conditions. Check the exact item in the app before buying or packing it.
- Which destinations refuse lithium-battery devices?
- The destination table on this page lists every covered destination with its own lithium rule, with Japan Post's wording and the source. Destinations not listed there have no destination-specific rule; the carrier-wide conditions still apply to them.
Reading this page as a program or AI assistant?
The same rules are published in forms built for that. None of them needs an API key. An item that is not listed has no specific rule here, which is not the same as being allowed.
- JSON
- This guide is built from one JSON read per destination: https://www-api.shipmate.jp/restrictions/rules?destination_country={alpha-3}&scope=destination, plus scope=carrier_global. No API key is needed.
- MCP
https://www-api.shipmate.jp/mcp, toolshipmate.get_restriction_rules
Site-wide guidance for agents is at /llms.txt.
Sources
- Japan Post: lithium battery conditions (PDF)
- Japan Post: items that cannot be sent abroad
- Japan Post: international mail (EMS)
Japan Post's page for each carrier-wide and destination rule above (57)
- Carrier-wide
- Lithium-ion battery / Lithium metal battery · Mobile Battery / Charger / Battery Charger / Portable Battery Charger / Power Bank · Cordless Iron (with possible lithium battery) · Engine/Generator (Gasoline-powered or Lithium Battery-powered) — Generator · Lead storage battery · Sealed Lead-Acid Battery (Shield Battery / SLA Battery) · AED (Automated External Defibrillator) · Air battery · Alkaline storage battery (industrial) / Alkaline accumulator (industrial) · Amplifier (audio/AV equipment) · Auto Dispenser · Automotive navigation system (car nav / GPS unit) · Beauty Home Appliances / Personal Care Electronics · Car audio / Car stereo · Clocks / Smartwatches · Digital health meter (bathroom scale / body weight scale) · Digital Photo Frame · Drive recorder (dashboard camera) · Drone / Remote-Controlled Aircraft · Earphones / Headphones (Wireless / Cordless type) / Travel Earphones / Earbuds · Electronic dictionary / Calculator / Electronic organizer · Facsimile machine (fax machine) · Flashlight / Torch · Game console · Game controller (for gaming consoles) · Hearing aid · Keychain / Key Holder · LED projector · Lighting / Fluorescent Lamp · Pedometer / Step Counter · Personal computer (including monitor / parts) / Tablet PC · PlayStation / Play Station (game console) · Portable DVD Player · Portable game console / handheld game device · Portable music player / Portable audio player · Portable Television · Pulse oximeter · Radiation measuring instrument / Radioactivity concentration meter · Radio-cassette recorder (boombox) · Radio-Controlled Vehicles / Drones (RC / Radio Control) · Record player / Turntable · Residential fire alarm (smoke/fire detector) · Selfie stick · Smart Luggage / Smart Suitcase · Smartphone (Mobile Phone) · Speaker / Smart Speaker · Thermal Printer (Heat-Sensitive Printer) · Travel Earphones / Earphone Guide · Voice Recorder · Wi-Fi Router / Pocket Wi-Fi (portable wireless router) · Wristwatches / Smartwatches
- Israel
- Batteries
- Tunisia
- Batteries · Rechargeable batteries
- Argentina
- Dry batteries